What is grape seed extract?

Grape seed extract is a naturally occurring plant substance that contains a concentrated source of antioxidant nutrients known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins. These antioxidants can help protect against the effects of internal and external stresses. Scientists have demonstrated that oligomeric proanthocyanidins, more commonly known as OPCs, are more powerful antioxidants than vitamins C, E and beta-carotene.

What is the history of grape seed extract?

Scientists first became interested in grape seed extract in the latter part of the 20^th Century due to an outgrowth of research about the "French Paradox." The French Paradox shows a low incidence of heart disease (nearly half that of the United States) among the French despite a high incidence of known dietary and other contributing factors to heart disease. Some scientists believe that the secret of the French Paradox is red wine, which is an integral part of the French diet. Further research suggests that OPCs present in red wine can promote cardiovascular health. Grape seeds have been found to be the richest source of OPCs.

How does the location of grapes affect the quality of grape seed extract?

The location where grapes are grown plays a major role in the content of OPCs. Temperature and humidity significantly affect the antioxidant content in grape samples. For example, French and Californian red grapes are rich in OPCs. Vitis vinifera (wine grapes) also are known to contain more antioxidants than other grape types.

Does grape seed extract require a certain color or type of grape?

Wine grape seeds are naturally high in antioxidants. Red wine is higher in antioxidant content than white wine because red wine is fermented in the seeds – the antioxidants leach from the seeds into the wine. The potency of seeds is maintained by rapid processing to keep them from becoming fermented.

How can grape seed extract improve health?

The compounds found in grape seed extract, including OPCs, are powerful antioxidants that have been shown in research studies to promote cardiovascular, brain, skin and eye health; and antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory activities.

What scientific research exists regarding grape seed extract?

More than 90 research presentations, publications and abstracts have been reported the health benefits regarding grape seed extract focusing on areas related to antioxidant activity, cardiovascular health, gastric health and anti-inflammatory properties. Extensive research about ActiVin^® grape seed extract is published in peer-reviewed journals, including Toxicology, The Journal of Medicine, and Fitoperia, and additional research initiatives are underway to further understand the health benefits of grape seed extract.

Do grapes, wine, or grape seed oil have the same positive health benefits as grape seed extract?

Wine and grape seed oil contain very small amounts of OPCs and cannot compare in antioxidant potency to grape seed extract. For example, you would need to eat 1.0 pound to 1.5 pounds of seeded table grapes to receive the same antioxidant benefits as 50 mg of ActiVin^® grape seed extract.

How does grape seed extract differ from pine bark extract?

Both grape seed and pine bark extracts contain OPCs. However, grape seed extract is a more potent source of antioxidants because it has a wider array of proanthocyanidins, with a significantly higher number of OPCs. Grape seed extract can have seven to 15 percent more OPCs than pine bark extract.

How much grape seed extract should I take?

While the FDA has not yet established RDAs for grape seed extract, ActiVin^® research has studied daily doses ranging between 50 mg to 200 mg. A leading grape seed extract researcher, Debasis Bagchirecommends a daily dose of 50 mg for adults ages 30 years to 40 years, 100 mg for adults ages 40 years to 50 years, and 200 mg for adults older than 50 years.

Are there any potential side effects from taking grape seed extract?

No side effects have been reported from ActiVin^® grape seed extract.

Can grape seed extract interfere with or react to medications?

No drug interactions have been reported with ActiVin^® grape seed extract. However, always check with your health care professional before taking any nutrition supplement.

What are the differences between grape seed extract brands?

Not all grape seed extracts are created equal, and the origination of the grape seed is an important distinguishing factor among brands. For example, all raw materials used to create ActiVin^® grape seed extract originate from premier California grapes, ensuring the highest quality grape seed extract.

Another important quality factor is the antioxidant extraction technique. Some brands use chemical solvents for extraction, which can alter the integrity of proanthocyanidins or leave residues. ActiVin^® grape seed extract uses the patented, environmentally friendly ActiPure^® natural water extraction process. This process is able to recover more of the potent OPCs from the grape seed proanthocyanidins.

The ActiPure^® process is an environmentally friendly, natural water extraction process that extracts proanthocyandins from grape seeds. This process maintains the natural integrity and potency of proanthocyanidin antioxidants. Because the process is patented, ActiVin^® is the only grape seed extract made from this process.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.*